Fan Array Positioning Using Oscillation Detection Without GPS

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the position of fans in clean rooms, such as filter fan units, are inefficient and prone to errors, especially in environments where GPS signals are unavailable, and require significant effort to ensure accurate installation and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A method using acceleration sensors to initiate and detect attenuated oscillations among fans arranged in rows and columns, employing an iterative exclusion algorithm to determine the positions of fans, allowing for precise relative positioning without the need for GPS or manual labeling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If GPS technology is used to determine fan positions, then positioning can be performed, but GPS signals are often not available in clean rooms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning availabilityVSAvoidenvironmental compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces GPS (electromagnetic/satellite-based positioning) with a mechanical oscillation-based positioning system. Fans are set into mechanical oscillation, and their positions are determined by detecting which fans oscillate in response to a reference fan's oscillation, eliminating dependency on GPS signals unavailable in clean rooms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces mechanical oscillation as an intermediary medium for positioning. Instead of directly using GPS signals, the system uses oscillation propagation through the fan network as an intermediary to transfer position information, enabling positioning in environments where GPS is unavailable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If manual labeling with address labels or barcodes is used, then fan addresses can be assigned, but incorrect assignments occur and major correction effort is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress assignment simplicityVSAvoidassignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service positioning where fans automatically determine their own positions through oscillation detection. Each fan acts as both a detector and a potential oscillator, automatically identifying its position in the network without requiring manual intervention, thus eliminating assignment errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through oscillation detection. When a reference fan oscillates, adjacent fans detect this oscillation and respond by oscillating themselves. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically identify and confirm position assignments, preventing incorrect assignments that occur with manual labeling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If wiring diagrams are used to create spatial network maps, then fan positions can be represented, but significant effort is required to ensure correct installation sequence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition information accuracyVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary positioning actions during installation by using oscillation-based automatic position determination. The system automatically identifies fan positions through oscillation propagation before final installation steps are completed, eliminating the need for time-consuming verification of installation sequences against wiring diagrams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual process of creating and verifying wiring diagrams with an automated mechanical oscillation-based positioning system. The oscillation propagation through the fan network automatically generates accurate position information, replacing the time-consuming manual wiring diagram creation and verification process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method enables accurate and efficient determination of fan positions within clean rooms, reducing installation and maintenance efforts while avoiding errors associated with GPS signal unavailability and manual labeling.

Implementation Method 1

detecting the attenuated oscillation of the fans (Vn,m) that are oscillating in this manner by a mechanical coupling using a detector and controller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical coupling:

Implementation Method 2

driving the at least one fan (Vi,j), the position of which is known, in order to initiate an attenuated oscillation of at least those fans (Vn,m) that are arranged in an adjacent row or column position, respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOscillation: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11519619B2Positioning system and method for determining the position of fans

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 EBM PAPST MULFINGEN GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A method for determining the positions of a number of fans (Vn,m) for generating an air flow in a preferably enclosed space. The fans (Vn,m) have an acceleration sensor to determine their position. The fans (Vn,m) are arranged in rows (R1, R2, . . . , Rn) and columns (S1, S2, . . . , Sm). At least the position (i, j) of one fan (Vi,j) is known.